Gas leaks, sheer negligence and a lack of adequate supervision of children are among the reasons for a recent spate of home fires, according to investigators.
Families are being urged to take proper precautions in their homes to avoid potential tragedies and unnecessary heartache, particularly during the summer months when schools are closed.
Civil Defence safety and wellness director Major Dr Musa’ab Alkhaldi has stated that everybody in a household, from the eldest to the youngest, should be responsible for their safety and should be educated on basic ways to prevent fires from starting in the first place … and knowing what best to do in an emergency.
“Every single member of the family should play their part and ensure they understand their roles,” he said. “Children especially need to be taught on basic safety from a young age because they tend to be curious.
“Family members who spend a lot of time at home should educate themselves on the things they can do to prevent fires, especially in the kitchen.
“While some incidents are due to bad luck, many fire cases could have been easily avoided by carrying out the bare minimum of precautions, such as turning off electrical sockets when they are not in use and ensuring that gas canisters are stored in a safe place.”
Maj Dr Alkhaldi added that gas leaks are among the most common causes of house fires, and that no cost should be spared to ensure the safety of residents.
“If you are still depending on gas to cook, make sure it is installed by professionals from a reputable company,” he said. “Make sure the cylinders are stored in a safe manner away from electrical equipment or anything else that can cause a spark, and make sure the storage area is not made of flammable material such as wood.
“In case of a gas leak, do not turn on any electrical appliance or sockets, simply call a professional immediately.”
Maj Dr Alkhaldi also urged parents to closely supervise their children when around electrical equipment, including when they are playing video games, and to ensure that they turn the devices off when done using them.
“Some children tend to get distracted whilst playing games on their consoles and go and do something else and forget about them completely. If they are not using a device, turn it off. Parents should remind them why it is important to do so.
“Additionally, be with them when they are using appliances in the kitchen unless you are fully confident that they know how to operate them.”
He also stressed the importance of installing smoke detectors in homes and having fire extinguishers available as preventative measures, stating that too many people shun the thought of purchasing such devices.
“They believe that nothing will happen to them,” he said. “But it is better to have them and not have anything happen, than to need them and not have them in place. Fire extinguishers especially can limit the damage to a property when used correctly.”
Maj Dr Alkhaldi also urged people to leave a burning property expeditiously in a calm manner.
“Smoke can be very dangerous when inhaled,” he said. “So it is important to prioritise getting your family out of the building as soon as possible.
“Then immediately call the emergency services on 999. Explain the situation and give them your address as clearly as possible. Most importantly, do not return into the building until the Civil Defence officials say it is clear to do so.”
Several fires have broken out in recent weeks across the country, including two in less than 24 hours in Duraz and Dar Kulaib.
On May 11, four people – a man, two women and a child – tragically died in a fire in an eight-storey residential building at Al Louzi. Another 20 tenants needed rescuing as 48 Civil Defence firemen , with the aid of seven fire engines, managed to quell the flames. The incident also left 52 people homeless and needing temporary government shelter.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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